By Faizan M Abid
With the major political figure Nawaz Sharif back in the spotlight, Pakistan's political landscape is changing dramatically. The return of Pakistan's former prime minister has raised a great deal of conjecture about how it would affect the general elections which will take place in February this year.
Three times as prime minister, Nawaz Sharif has had a significant impact on the political history of Pakistan. But scandals have dogged his political career, including accusations of corruption that resulted in his disqualification and exile in 2017.
His return to Pakistan on Oct 21, 2023, has brought a fresh perspective to the political stage.
His return serves as a focal point and source of energy for the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), energising the party's grassroots. The PML-N has a sizeable voter base, and the addition of Nawaz Sharif is believed to have enhanced the party's appeal to voters.
Nawaz Sharif's return has not gone unnoticed abroad either. The world is keeping a careful eye on the situation, and any impression of political unrest in Pakistan could affect foreign investments and diplomatic ties. The position adopted by other countries and international organisations may have an impact on the political climate at home, adding an outside element to the already intricate dynamics.
In conclusion, Nawaz Sharif's comeback is a complex event that affects the PML-N's election prospects, the unity of the opposition, legal responsibility, and foreign assessments of Pakistan's political stability.
The whole effect of Nawaz Sharif's comeback on the political landscape of the nation becomes more apparent when these factors interact in the run-up to the 2024 General Elections, reshaping the narrative and affecting the decisions of both important players and voters.